A British agency has declared that a total ban on cell phones in hositals is not necessary. Rather, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) says hospitals should introduce reasonable measures to balance the risks of mobile phones interfering with critical devices and the desire for better communication in hospitals.
The agency said the new advice takes account of recent developments in mobile technology and the growing communication needs of patients, visitors and hospital staff.
Some mobile devices can cause interference with critical medical equipment and it is important these are turned off where a risk exists, said Prof. Kent Woods, Chief Executive of the MHRA. However, he said there is no reason why mobile technology can`t be used in designated areas of hospitals where there is little or no risk of interference with critical medical equipment.
"Mobile technology can be an easy and quick way for staff to communicate and help them to deliver the best possible care to patients. Overly restrictive policies can act as obstacles to this beneficial technology so this updated advice will help ensure that hospitals reap the benefits of mobile technology without compromising patient safety," Woods said.
|
31.07.2004
Brits OK Cell Phones in Hospitals
A British agency has declared that a total ban on cell phones in hositals is not necessary. Rather, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) says hospitals should introduce reasonable measures to balance the risks of mobile phones interfering... |
|
09.03.2007
Mayo Clinic Finds Cell Phones Safe in Hospitals
Cell Phone Hazards• Study Finds Little Short-Term Cell Phone Health Risk• Cell Phones Linked to Bee Decline• Mayo Clinic Finds Cell Phones Safe in Hospitals• Origin of California Cell Phone Fire Disputed• Cell Phone Ignites, California... |
|
22.09.2003
Many Cell Phones Down for the Count During Isabel
Cell phones performed as expected -- i.e., not very well -- during Hurricane Isabel. Hundreds of thousands of Mid-Atlantic residents got the dread "no service" when they tried to make calls in the aftermath of the giant storm. Cell phones rely on the repeater towers... |
|
16.01.2004
Cell Phones Probably Safe, British Study Concludes
A British study finds no evidence that cell phones create any adverse health effects from radio frequency (RF) emissions. But the study notes that there are limitations to the research carried out so far, and mobile phones have only been in widespread use for a... |
|
18.05.2004
Cell Phones Blamed in Fires
Consumers often scoff at warnings that their cell phones may ignite fumes from gasoline pumps but two recent incidents lend credibility to the warnings.In New Paltz, NY, police say a student was burned when his cell phone started a fire at a Mobil station. Chief... |
|
